Teen woman pressing her bruised cheek with a painful expression as if she's having a terrible tooth ache.
Tooth pain can get excruciatingly unbearable. Yes, the general protocol is to get a proper dental consultation but, what does one do in situations where the dentist is unavailable for the time being or you experience a toothache episode at an inconvenient time? There are multiple ways to handle the situation until you can access a dental professional. Here are some tried and tested ways people have recommended to temporarily relieve yourself from unbearable tooth pain based on their own opinions.
- Numbing Agents such as Oragel
Tooth pain can often be sourced from the gums. Numbing agents help reduce sensation in the affected area and thus ease the feeling of pain. It is important to practice caution as there is a chance of developing a chemical burn in the area which is way more painful in nature.
- Cold Compress
Cold compresses when applied over the affected area, help numb sensation by reducing circulation to the area. The greater the circulation, the stronger the sensation of unease and discomfort, and vice versa.
- Medication
Many individuals gravitate towards the easy route of taking painkillers such as Advil, Toradol, Tylenol, Excedrin, or Aspirin for temporary pain relief. Local anesthetic agents work just as well but should not be used under any condition without a prescription. Some people often misleadingly place an aspirin directly on the painful tooth. Little do they know; such exposure can lead to serious chemical burns. Antibiotics should be prescribed for infected teeth only after professional consultation.
- Mouthwashes and Toothpaste
Many swear by certain mouthwashes such as Listerine, to work exceptionally well for pain relief. Methyl Salicylate is said to be the accredited component. Sensitivity toothpastes have also shown satisfactory results for many when massaged over the concerned area.
- Natural Oils
Naturally derived pain relief sources are the safest option. Oregano oil, clove oil, and grapeseed extract have been known to helped many with immediate pain relief.
- Warm Salt Water Swish
Although recommended during the healing phase of treatment, warm salt water swish has helped ease tooth pain in individuals in the past along with possessing essential antiseptic properties.
- Saliva
Sounds quite outrageous but some people claimed to follow old home remedies being passed on from generations. One such remedy involved the buildup of saliva in your mouth near the affected area and letting it sit there for a certain amount of time. Apparently, saliva works as a natural numbing agent.
- Ice Water
People with throbbing pain tried to numb out the pain but rinsing their mouths with cold water. Infected teeth are increasingly sensitive to cold water. Many experienced pain, however, others found momentary relief.
- Peroxide for Chronic Pain
Peroxide has been recommended by some people who claimed to have found relief from chronic tooth pain and referred headache as well with this remedy. Warm up the peroxide and then apply it on the affected area whilst ensuring you do not swallow any. It will sting initially but eventually, the sensation fades away.
- Cough Drops
Cough drops are taken to ease a sore throat, however, many claim that when placed near the affected area, a cough drop can help reduce pain.
- Alum Seasoning
Said to taste like lemon, it is said to numb out sensation in the mouth if applied near a troublesome tooth.
- Garlic Cloves
Chewing on a garlic clove has helped provide temporary relief to some people.
Most of the above-mentioned methods of pain relief are home remedies. Some of them truly work while the use of others may just have a psychological aspect behind it that is allowing the person to believe that they work. The correct protocol is to set an appointment for a consultation with your dentist. If the pain is severe, do not allow yourself to consume painkillers or antibiotics based on need. Make sure you are taking a prescribed dose. Consultation over the phone with your dentist can work for the time being if either one of you is out of station. Amongst the above, effective and reliable methods apart from prescribed painkillers, involve the ones involving natural or physiological sources as they pose the least risk of any after effects.
